THE Skoda Yeti has proved a popular choice of compact SUV since its launch four years ago and the rugged but attractive motor has been given a facelift and added equipment for 2014.

Although major changes to its styling have not been made it does look fresher with crisp lines and bolder curves to the bodywork, especially on the new Outdoor version which also incorporates side cladding, front and rear under-floor protection giving it a more rugged look.

Both City and Outdoor Yetis sport a new grille, all-new headlights and LED daytime running lights for the first time plus front fog lights low down on the bumper for better illumination.

The rear has also been given a new layout with a revised tailgate and new lights with LED strips as an option.

Changes inside include a new three-spoke steering wheel and the dash can be customised with a choice of trim inserts.

The Yeti's boot remains the biggest in its class with 510 litres of space and up to 1,760 litres with the seats removed.

Although slightly higher priced than the outgoing model Skoda has now included some additional useful kit as standard and many optional extras, including a rear view parking camera and automatic parking assist plus keyless entry and a stop and start system on some models.

The Yeti is also available with a full-length panoramic roof, climate control, heated seats and an electric driver's seat.

The engine line-up remains much the same with 1.2 and 1.8 petrol units and 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels on offer but all are now more fuel efficient and produce lower emissions.

What is different is that Skoda is offering an on-demand four-wheel-drive in the range which will be a big help to buyers who need a motor capable of tackling tough conditions such as ice and snow, country tracks or farming areas.

On a pretty muddy and reasonably demanding off-road course I found the 4x4 Yeti impressive. It's not a Land Rover by any means but it can cope well with anything most drivers are likely to face.

The two-wheel drive version, which is likely to be more popular, offers good grip and costs £1,640 less, so unless you really need 4x4 keep the money in the bank.

There's a choice of manual and DSG automatic gear changes and on the launch I drove both.

I did find the DSG box reasonably efficient but it was a bit reluctant to change on some downhill stretches and the diesel version we drove sounded a bit raucous when under stiff acceleration.

The 1.2 petrol, with five-speed manual change, is a little beauty with smooth acceleration and enough power to make overtaking and cruising on motorways pleasant.

The Yeti S, which is designed for the city and urban buyers, now comes with an impressive list of standard safety and driver friendly gear including alloy wheels, alarm, curtain airbags, electric and heated door mirrors, front and rear electric windows, Bluetooth connection, tip computer, radio, CD player and MP3 and daytime running lights.

The SE version adds features additional gear such as cruise control, dual zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors, additional speakers, 17in alloys and adjustable rear headrests.

For more equipment the Elegance and Laurin & Klement top specification models offfer options such as sat nav, hill-hold control, rain sensors, bi-xenon headlights, heated front seats, park assist and leather upholstery.

There's a lot of competition in the compact SUV sector, but the Skoda Yeti has done extremely well with more than 250,000 sales since launch and is one of the best-selling SUVs in Europe.

It's very popular in the UK as well having been snapped up by around 26,000 buyers.

Prices for the new Yeti, which goes on sale in the UK in January, range from £16,600 for the entry-level 1.2 TSI 105bhp and on up to £26,625 for the flagship Outdoor L&K 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp 4x4 DPF.